The co-ordinator of the squatters - known only as “Gee” - says the group of around “four or five” people wish to host art events at The Doctor Johnson pub in Longwood Gardens if they can strike an agreement with the building’s owner to be allowed to stay.

Speaking to the Recorder, Gee, 41, who lives near to the pub, said: “The squatters came on Sunday (11) and we swept the front of the building just to let residents know something is being done about the mess.”

Gee claims to represent a group called Suspenses Property Guardians.

It is unclear how long the building has been derelict for, but residents believe it is “at least three years”.

“Where to go for a drink near Great Portland Street?” was previously met with blank expressions and shrugs for those local to the area, not anymore, thanks to the opening of The Refinery at Regent’s Place, the eighth bar and restaurant from hugely-successful group Drake & Morgan.